Shark Tale Essential Guide
DreamWorks Animation Essential Guides Series
on Goodreads (3)
What’s inside...
Introducing the characters, heroes and anti-heroes from 'Shark Tale', including Oscar, Angie, Lenny, Ernie and Bernie, Frankie and Lino, this guide takes readers round the main sites of the underwater neighbourhood and explains key relationships to show how the story develops. Fast-talking hustler fish Oscar finds himself in hot water with the mob when he is mistaken for a hero. Find out all about his underworld adventure with this fin-tastic Essential Guide. Discover amazing inside information about Shark Tale - the new animated feature from DreamWorks, the creators of Shrek. Learn all about the underwater mafia and the adventures of a young fish named Oscar, who's in big trouble with the mob boss shark!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-12
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Oscar
Bernie
Ernie
Lenny
Angie
Sykes
Don Lino
Lola
Discussion points
How do you think Oscar felt when he was trying to be something he wasn't? Can you relate to his feelings?
What lesson did Lenny learn about being true to himself? Why is it important to be who you really are?
Why do you think the friendship between Oscar and Lenny changed throughout the story?
How did the other fish react to Oscar’s story? What does this teach us about honesty?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the characters' decisions, emphasizing that there are no right or wrong answers.
Draw parallels between the events in the book and real-life situations your child might encounter, to help them relate to the characters.
Ask your child how they might have handled situations differently than the characters, fostering critical thinking.
Discuss the importance of honesty and authenticity, using examples from the book to illustrate these virtues.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: In 'Shark Tale Essential Guide', the protagonist learns the value of being truthful, especially after fabricating a story about being a shark slayer.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding that honesty builds trust and strong relationships in their personal lives and communities.
Example Lesson: Courage to be oneself
Explanation: The story emphasizes embracing one's true self rather than conforming to others' expectations, illustrated through the main character's journey of self-acceptance.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to confidently express their individuality and resist peer pressure in school or social settings.
Example Lesson: The impact of choices
Explanation: The guide showcases various scenarios where characters make impactful decisions, teaching readers about the consequences of their choices.
Real-World Application: Kids learn that their decisions can affect not only themselves but also those around them, teaching responsibility and foresight.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters rely on friendships to navigate challenges, showing the strength and support that friendships provide.
Real-World Application: Children understand the importance of building and maintaining positive relationships, aiding their social development.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: The characters face numerous obstacles but persistently work through them, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children learn to overcome difficulties in their own lives, fostering a resilient and problem-solving attitude.